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Dr Shelly Lachish
Motivated, successful data scientist with experience in both industry and academia. Expertise in the management, analysis, interpretation and presentation of large, complex data. Effective and collaborative communicator. Highly proficient in technical writing, with strong organisational and project management skills. Adaptable, meticulous, creative and curious.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Disease Ecology.
School of Biological Sciences
University of Queensland
2010 - 2005
BSc (Hons). Ecology/Zoology (1st class)
Department of Zoology and Entomology
University of Queensland
1999 - 1995
Career Summary
Data Analyst
UK Biobank
University of Oxford
current - 2019
- Provide statistical and analytical expertise to researchers, UKBiobank epidemiologists and database administrators.
- Develop software and applications to query databases, automate reporting, produce visualisations, and perform statisical analyses.
- Build ETL data pipelines to import disparate electronic health records into the UK Biobank databases.
- Work with database administrators to validate and ensure data quality and integrity.
Daphne Jackson Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Department of Zoology
University of Oxford
2019 - 2017
- Conducted original research on topics in ecology, population dynamics, infectious disease.
- Managed, analysed, and interpreted large data sets using cutting-edge statistical and modelling methods.
- Published and presented papers at conferences and meetings.
- Supervised graduate and postgraduate students.
Research Analyst
Medical Careers Research Group
University of Oxford
2017 - 2015
- Published scientific papers and government reports using data from the 40-year UK Medical Careers survey.
- Developed and maintained data pipelines for processing and analysing survey data.
Science Writer and Editor
Freelance
Oxford, UK
2017 - 2011
- Writing for: Oxford Science Blog, Living Spain Magazine, 72&Rising, Sabotage Times
- Editing for Oxford Science Editing, Edanz, private clients.
Policy Writer
Mathematical Ecology Research Group
University of Oxford
2013
- Researched policies for regulating genetically modified organisms.
- Produced policy brief for members of DEFRA.
NERC Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Department of Zoology
University of Oxford
2012 - 2010
- Research areas: ecology, evolution, population dynamics, infectious disease dynamics.
- Analysed, interpreted complex data sets using varied statistical modelling methods.
- Published scientific papers and presented research at conferences and meetings.
- Supervised graduate and postgraduate students.
Teaching Experience
Programming in R with the Tidyverse
Big Data Institute
University of Oxford
2022
Introduction to Text Mining in R (online course)
Big Data Institute
University of Oxford
2021
Stipendiary Biology Tutor
St Hilda’s College
University of Oxford
2019 - 2018
- Taught ecology, statistics, epidemiology, conservation, genetics
DPhil Supervisor
Department of Zoology
University of Oxford
2012 - 2010
- Surpervised: Dr Irem Sepil and Dr Antica Culina
Grants and Awards
Daphne Jackson Postdoctoral Fellowship (GBP £82,000)
Department of Zoology
University of Oxford
2017
NERC Urgency Grant (GBP £60,000)
Department of Zoology
University of Oxford
2011
Ian Potter Research Grant (AUD $130,000)
School of Zoology
University of Tasmania
2008
Wildlife Disease Association Doctoral Student Award (Value AUD $5,000)
Wildlife Disease Association
Colorado, USA
2007
Australian Wildlife Society Grant (Value $1,500)
School of Biological Sciences
University of Queensland
2005
Australian Postgraduate Award ($50,000)
School of Biological Sciences
University of Queensland
2005
Invited Seminars
“Wildlife Disease Ecology: from individuals to populations and beyond”
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
Montpelier, France
2018
“Understanding an infectious cancer”
Big Data Institute
University of Oxford
2018
“The curious case of the disappearing devil” (Steve Irwin Memorial Lecture)
University of Queensland
Brisbane, Australia
2011
“Disease impacts on wild populations”
Zoological Society of London
London, UK
2011
Professional Service
Commitee member: BDI Coding Committee
Big Data Institute
University of Oxford
current - 2019
British Ecological Society member
N/A
London, UK
2020 - 2011
Commitee member: Early Career Researcher Network
Department of Zoology
University of Oxford
2019 - 2017
Volunteering
Volunteer display and event interpreter
Oxford Natural History Museum
Oxford, UK
2014 - 2011
Volunteer science interpreter
Big Bang Science Fair
London, UK
2014
Media
My research has been reported in these media outlets:
TV: George Negus at 6:30, Totally Wild, Radio: BBC Oxford, ABC, 4QR, Print: Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, Sunday Mail
N/A
2019 - 2008